For DAW work, it's my understanding that you just need a good/basic (fast) computer, with low-latency.

Most audio-pros like quiet-computers (even under heavy loads), so:

- A fast main-processor (CPU).
- A good (large and efficient) CPU cooler and good case-cooling.
- A good amount of memory (16gb should be fine).
- I would suggest only SSDs inside. NVMe-SSD for boot, Windows, and main-apps.
- Even a 2gb 2.5inch SSD is cheap now, so 2.5in-SATA-SSD(s) for data-files also. SSDs are silent and run cooler.
- Powerful power-supply (so it can run system at max, but only 50% utilization)
- I like tower-models that can hold full-height video-cards, PCIe-Addin-card, and extra drives. They are usually the ones that have the larger power-supplies and other things above.

Not sure what form-factor "Optiplex 3070" you are looking at, if it is new or refurbished, or what components are inside ... so above message seemed like the best way to answer. Generally, Optiplex computers are reliable because they are designed for doing "real work" and creative ventures ... not for play.

Many thanks for your response - I'm looking at a refurb Optiplex 3070 Small Form Factor Mini Tower with Intel I5 9th Generation 3Ghz six core processor, 16Gb DDR4 RAM, 1X 240 M.2 NVMe SSD 1X 960 NVMe SSD, 200 Watt PSU. All inputs, outputs, recording, playback etc from the DAW is via a 16 Chan Soundcraft USB Desk ... all other peripherals, monitors etc I will re-use from existing system.

From what you say and what I have read the Optiflex appears to be suitable?

7820 workstation is what I would recommend.

Dell 7820 workstation 313602254605

Dell models supporting windows 11

kbdoc 000187485

You will also need an interface

https://shop.presonus.com/AudioBox-Go

USB 3.X interface needed which the 7820 has.

If looking at Optiplex's, I'd me more inclined to look at the XX80 line.  Spec sheets can be Googled for the 3080, 5080, & 7080, and almost any other Optiplex model you want to look into to.  Depending on the model, they are more impressive and more future proof.  With the right PSU upgrades, can also take some nice GPU's if you're into that.  Tesla1856 mentioned Optiplex's not being as much for play.  However, the XX80's are better designed for upgrades 

If you do get an Optiplex, I suggest getting a nice audio card.  Optiplex's nowadays, including the 3070 and the XX80 line I mentioned, only have a single audio jack front and rear for both input and output.

I'd also lean toward a mini tower.  Towers are easier to upgrade and run cooler.

Upon further review, with using a 16 Chan Soundcraft USB Desk, please never mind about the audio card if you don't need it.

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@WelshAl wrote:

Many thanks for your response - I'm looking at a refurb Optiplex 3070 Small Form Factor Mini Tower with Intel I5 9th Generation 3Ghz six core processor, 16Gb DDR4 RAM, 1X 240 M.2 NVMe SSD 1X 960 NVMe SSD, 200 Watt PSU. All inputs, outputs, recording, playback etc from the DAW is via a 16 Chan Soundcraft USB Desk ... all other peripherals, monitors etc I will re-use from existing system.

From what you say and what I have read the Optiflex appears to be suitable?

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So, yes. I think Optiplex desktops, in general would be suitable for DAW. However, any SFF Optiplex is very small. They are little office-computers for running Microsoft Office, sending emails, and using an Internet browser (ie, doing office work). The nicer components inside make them "fast" but they are still little-baby computers and they are typically not "pushed very hard" in that setting.

If this little Optiplex 3070-SFF would work, it would be the bare-minimum. The small cooling fans on the CPU and Power-Supply might get very loud when you start doing something DAW-complicated. NVMe-SSD's are correct, but a 240gb C-Drive is bare-minimum. If D-Drive 960 NVMe SSD is not enough space (for music output-files), you might not even be able to add a single inexpensive 2.5inch SSD inside it. It would definitely struggle and get fan-loud if you tried to do something like encode-a-video.

These internal parts inside a larger 3070 Mini-Tower would be better. The power-supply would be more-powerful and CPU-cooler would likely be bigger/better. It would have a slot for at least one 2.5inch SSD, and generally give you some room to expand over the years (like maybe a dedicated video card to allow you to run 2-monitors) stuff like that.

Musicians usually buy a system that is sure to at least do their DAW perfectly (so, what you need, plus a little more). Otherwise, it's money wasted. This little 3070-SFF is not really worth more than $300-$400. If you were trying to buy something that fits your use-case, and you wanted to use it 3-years, isn't your budget more like $600-$700 ?  

Hello @WelshAl , your XPS 8700 is still powerful enough for your Music Production.  You can also install Windows 11 (on a new drive) for testing to see if it works well with your recording apps.  Win 11 may appeared to boot about 1 or 2 seconds faster.  The visual is more intense with vibrance colors.  But it lacks some features from Win 10 and on some systems, the performance isn't as fluid as Win 10.

If you already budgeted for a replacement system, I suggest a suitable system for your needs would be an XPS 8940.  You can get like NEW system directly from Dell Outlet with full warranty and ready to ship.  If you are comfortable with working on PC components, just get a base system and you can tailor to your needs later (adding SSD, RAM, etc.).  This is recent model, so it will provide you many more years of service.     

Thank you all for your useful and informative comments - I'm torn between keeping my XPS as is and sticking with Win 10 for now or going for a base unit XPS 8940 and customising it. Music royalties ain't what they used to be!!

I hear you. That is why we are trying to help. No use upgrading sideways. At least now, you know what you need and will notice it if the right deal comes along.